There is at the present time great need
of caution. "Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak,
slow to wrath." James 1:19. Let us heed the warning: "I
beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offenses
contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, . . .
and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the
simple. For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am
glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise
unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil." Romans
16:17-19.
"I beseech you, brethren, by the name
of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and
that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly
joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment."
1 Corinthians 1:10. This is the will of God concerning us. Shall
we obey it? "The preaching of the cross is to them that
perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power
of God. For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,
and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. Where
is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this
world? . . . For after that in the wisdom of God the world by
wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching
to save them that believe. For the Jews require a sign, and the
Greeks seek after wisdom: but we preach Christ crucified, unto
the Jews a stumbling block, and unto the Greeks foolishness;
but unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ
the power of God, and the wisdom of God." Verses 18-24.
What a change would be seen if all who are
in responsible positions would realize that they are working
under the eye of an all-seeing God. What is needed now is the
free working of the Holy Spirit on mind and heart. Without this
our efforts will be fruitless. When the Spirit molds and fashions
us, our words and acts will reveal heartfelt thanksgiving.